Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for dealing with this matter. On the figures for 2020 and 2021, I am interested that we had 5,269 applications to join the Army in 2020, out of which 3,323 applicants did not complete the process. Up to the end of June this year, there were 2,752 applications, with 1,031 applicants withdrawing. There are also figures for the Naval Service. Has any analysis been done on why people have withdrawn? Has that been identified? Will it be part of the process in the review being carried out by the Department? Why not look at the people who had an interest and expressed an interest but then withdrew?

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